For thirty years, the troops at Fort Craig protected those journeying along El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, the 1600-mile trade route between Mexico City and New Mexico’s San Juan Pueblo (now called Ohkay Owingeh). But today, these walls are the only things left to stand sentry. The troops have long since gone, although a flag still billows in the wind. Yet, there’s something haunting, perhaps even beautiful about this place.
It’s hard to believe that in 1862, 4000 troops were stationed here, 35 miles south of Socorro.
Fort Craig was established in 1854. Its original purpose was not only to safeguard travelers, but also to protect settlers from the Apache, Navajo and Comanche in the area who opposed the flood of new arrivals.
You’d never guess from looking at these ruins that this stone and adobe fort once included officers’ quarters, stables, a hospital, a school and more.
Buffalo soldiers were among those who served here.
After the Civil War broke out, Fort Craig’s role became even more significant. Hundreds of volunteers joined Union troops to improve Fort Craig, so it could withstand the approaching Confederate soldiers.
The two sides fought at the Battle of Valverde, which took place several miles from the fort. Colonel Edward R. S. Canby led the Union soldiers and General Henry Hopkins Sibley
commanded the Confederate troops. Interesting fact: Sibley and Canby knew each other from their days at West Point. Canby had acted as Sibley's best man when the latter married!
Although Fort Craig was unharmed in the conflict, the Confederate soldiers won the battle and continued to advance north. General Sibley and his men were eventually beaten at Glorieta Pass.
After the Civil War, those stationed at Fort Craig returned to fighting the Apaches.
Fort Craig may have survived warfare, but it was finally rendered useless by the arrival of the railroad. People no longer had to trek along El Camino Real to transport goods.
In 1885, Fort Craig was abandoned.
The Bureau of Land Management operates this site, which is essentially a historical rest stop. It is free to visit and open during daylight hours.
The Fort Craig National Historic Site is located at 901 Old US Highway 85, Socorro.
Here are some other intriguing abandoned places in New Mexico. Some are ghost towns, while others are simply places that time forgot.
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